Weekly ⚡ Picks – Flame and Plasma

I taught my first 2-day workshop at Pittsburgh Glass Center for Plasma Globes, a first for PGC as a make-n-take Plasma Globe.

Day 1, which focused on making our globes and shapes in the hot shop and adding the electrode.

• used transparent colors to make the globes look good during the day light
• starting with a ball or globe shape as the first item.
• played withing making unconventional shapes, which took a bit of trial and error as well as challenging the adventurous nature of the students. I found this to be a little too challegning for people even if they’ve taken similar workshops like paperweights, pumpkins, or ornaments.

Day 2 , the final step involving pumping the Globes, and filling them with Neon or Argon.

• This part of the workshop really put me to the test. I learned that I’m not as ready as I thought I was.
• Students that chose clear had the opiton of using Neon Phosphor powders to add layer of color.
• Students watched as I operated the system, and navigated when the effects were pleasing for them.
• In the end welding up tubulations was challenging, and took the right torch, this is where Sean Ferrigan became the MVP for tonight, who brought some of his neon torches, making a huge difference in my tubulation connections. 
• We had an issue with the tech22 single-end transformers overheating, and have not idea why.

​I had a good group of students, each supportive and entertained by the new experience.